At the beginning of the will, our children’s names are the same as ours

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At the beginning of the will, our children’s names are the same as ours

Later on, since they are now married, we added their married last names to their original names but kept just their original names when we listed our children. Is it ok that they are not the same throughout the document?
Example Susie Ellen Smith, daughter,
Later Susie Ellen Smith Baker

Asked on February 15, 2018 under Estate Planning, California

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

As long as it is clear who you are leaving your assets to, this is fine. Names do change (e.g. due to marriage or divorce) and such changes do not invalidate a will; also, wills (and contracts, too), are not invalidated by discrepancies or "typos" so long as what (or who) is meant is clear. So as long as the will makes it clear who inherits, this is not an issue.


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